Nicole, dear, you know I love you. But I enthusiastically disagree with you.

My full answer would probably be book length. And I ain’t got that kinda time.

Let me attempt to summarize. Not gonna be easy!

1. There is no authentic online option for Catholics.
2. The Mass is not a social gathering.
3. It is a re-presentation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and a physical consumption of His Body and Blood.
4. It is adoration of the Real Presence of the Soul and Divinity of God in the tabernacle and on the altar.
5. No social programs necessary. Yes, they are an essential part of community (and beyond) outreach and ministry. And we’ve got to figure out how to safely resume ministering to the billions who need us. But not required for our personal attendance at Mass.
6. Yet, even our attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not essential. All that’s required is the priest. Don’t get me started on how THAT got screwed up in this pandemic lockdown mess.
7. However, we (parishioners) cannot obtain the same “benefits" (without getting too far into the technical Catholic weeds)merely observing an online Mass vs. being physically present.
8. There’s no need for non-socially-distanced interaction with our fellow parishioners at Mass. As part of the Church Militant (those of us still on Earth), we join our personal prayers with the priest for all those unable or unwilling to be present, all part of the one body of the Church. YES, we miss the socializing after Mass. And the bake sale and fish fry and pancake breakfast and religious education classes, etc. But that’s not why our presence is vital.
9. Catholics cannot receive the Sacraments online. That separation during the lockdown was devastating. Please note, I’m not implying that precautions weren’t necessary. I don’t know with absolute certainty whether they were or weren’t. I’m not sure we’ll ever know. But they happened.
10. I believe with every fiber of my being that God allowed this suffering to occur as a consequence of our actions. (Not a punishment, a consequence… “don’t touch that hot stove, little Johnny!)
11. I believe the stark difference in our opinions is based on centuries of consequences for actions taken by our ancestors. (I told you… book length! Not reply-to-your-Medium-story length.)
12. And finally, I’d rather risk physical death (which will occur sooner than later anyway) than spiritual decay from a prolonged separation from the sacraments. My spiritual disinfection is what really matters once I stop breathing.